Abstract
A brief survey of the incidence of back trouble among the members of the British Consumers ' Association car test unit led on to a survey of differences in the way those with and those without back trouble rated the comfort of car seats. The methods are described in some detail. It is suggested that people with back trouble may be a useful test tool for designers. It is concluded that car seats should cater for a wider range of driver size, and should allow individual drivers to adjust the amount of support given to different areas of the body. With an appendix by Dr. J. D. G. Troup on the need to investigate the origin of back pain symptoms.